How to Write A Baltimore Belly Dance Performance Contract

by | May 8, 2015 | Business Advice

Now I know when you are first starting out, you think you don’t need a contract to do business. But as you start to do gigs and have snafus pop up, it really does start to look like a good idea. And it is.


In my experience, it makes you look more like a pro to your clients. After all, doesn’t the DJ have a contract? And the hall? Also the contract lets your client know what to expect and spells out what your needs are. You know what your obligation is i.e. what your client wants and they know what they are getting. It also helps broach the subject of a deposit so you know that you have guaranteed work that night. These are all things that I go into detail when mentoring my students and in my business lecture workshop series.


baltimore belly dancer, belly dancer baltimore, bellydance by amartia


But where to start? You can try to take a look at other dancer’s contracts online but not everyone is the same. Also, why would you want to plagiarize their wording? Coming up with your own is easy when you follow the tips I’m about to lay down for you.


Here are the basics your contract should include:

  1. Description: What you are offering the client. It could be the package you offer, the length of time, the number of props, etc. Whatever it is that you are offering them.


  2. Time, place, date: The particulars, get the exact time and date and address (makes it easy to put in your GPS)


  3. Lateness clause: This is a big one. Make sure that you decide what your expectation is. Do you have a set time to wait around? What would your fee be if it’s longer? Waiting a few minutes is fine, a few hours? Not so much.


  4. Safety: This may seem like a no-brainer but if you need a space to change or put your stuff put it in there. If you are a fire performer, this may be a place to set up your props. If you want to know what the floor is like, this is where to put it.


  5. Indemnity: Things happen. Make sure that you absolve yourself of any blame should anything go wrong. This is especially important with audience participation or with lessons


  6. Payment: If you would like a deposit, say it. Say what date it’s refundable until. Also say what methods you are willing to accept as payment. Cash, check, PayPal, however you take payment.



These are just a few places to start. Feel free to comment on this blog with what your basics are. Or if you have any questions!